Boulder covering

ABSTRACT

An easily interchangeable cover to be used with objects such as rocks, boulders, or other items. The cover allows for airflow between the cover and the object to provide a uniform shape of the cover regardless of the object&#39;s deformities and contours. The cover also has a securing means which helps to secure the cover to the object to prevent it from blowing or otherwise being removed from the object.

1. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of Invention

This invention pertains to the art of methods and apparatus for covers. More specifically, this invention relates to covers for large outdoor objects, including rocks, stones, boulders, or other formations. The cover is capable of remaining in position over the object regardless of weather conditions. The decorative cover is also capable of altering the appearance of the outdoor object enhancing the object's aesthetic appeal.

B. Description of the Related Art

It is known in the art to provide covers for outdoor devices including automobiles, motorcycles, boats, barbeque grills, outdoor furniture, air conditioner compressors, and pools. Use of these covers protects the devices from the weather and eliminates the need of keeping these devices indoors; this is especially useful where there is not adequate indoor storage space.

The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for providing a cover for objects such as rocks, stones and boulders, other natural and unnatural formations, or piles of objects. The cover is easily interchangeable to allow the user to alter the appearance of the covered object as desired. In addition, the cover provides a uniform shape to the covered object, enhancing the object's aesthetic appeal. The cover also eliminates the need of painting the object to give it a more pleasing appearance, which saves money, time, and frustration.

II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one advantage of the present invention, a new and improved decorative cover is provided which allows for covering of an object for aesthetic reasons.

Another advantage of the present invention is a cover that allows for easy interchangeability.

According to yet another advantage of the present invention is a cover securely fastened to the object.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is a cover that has a closure means to secure the cover to the object.

Another advantage of the present invention is a cover made of durable material.

Still another advantage of the present invention is a cover made of nylon, vinyl, leather, or any other material that is waterproof or resistant to various weather conditions.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is a cover that provides coverage of a variety of objects, regardless of the object's size.

Still another advantage of the present invention is at least a first opening that allows air to flow between the object and the cover.

Another advantage of the present invention is at least a first opening to allow air to flow between the object and the cover giving the object a uniform shape and regardless of the contours of the object underneath.

Still another advantage of the present invention is a cover that allows for easy interchangeability.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is a cover that allows the user to frequently and easily change the appearance of the object.

Another advantage of the present invention is a cover that provides an easy method of changing the appearance of an object without the necessity of using paints or other camouflage type products.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is a first forming means for use in gathering the material the top of an associated object;

Still another advantage of the present invention is a closure means for use in securing said cover to said associated object.

Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:

FIG. 1 is view of the cover in its position over an object, showing the object underneath.

FIG. 2 a is a top view of the boulder cover.

FIG. 2 b is a single section of the cover during the manufacture and assembly process.

FIG. 2 c is a front view of the cover in its position covering a boulder.

FIG. 2 d is a cross-section view of a cover over the object showing the object underneath the cover.

FIG. 3 is an overhead view of the cover in use over an object.

FIG. 4 is an overhead view of the cover in use showing one embodiment of a cover design.

FIG. 5 is another view of the cover in use showing one embodiment of a special event sign.

FIG. 6 is another view of the cover in use with a second embodiment of a special event sign.

FIG. 7 is a view of the cover in use showing two embodiments of seasonal decorations.

IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIG. 1 is a see through view of the cover, shown generally at 2, in use covering a object 4, such as a boulder 5. By see through view it is meant that the view shows the object under the cover. This view is for purposes of describing the invention. Although a boulder 5 is shown, it is contemplated that the cover 2 may be used for other objects 4 including rocks, stones, natural and unnatural formations and piles of objects, such as small rocks, bricks, and even wood, that are outdoors in a yard, lot, park or near a house, building, store, or anywhere else as desired. It is contemplated that the cover may be also be used indoors to cover any type of object as the user desires.

With continuing reference to FIG. 1, the cover 2 completely covers the object 4 in such a way that a casual observe is not aware that there is an object 4 under the cover 2. The cover 2 may be nylon, vinyl, leather, or any other material or fabric that provides durable or waterproof capabilities as chosen with sound engineering judgment. It is also contemplated that the cover 2 may be constructed from a material comprising polyethylene fibers, such as Tyvek® manufactured by DuPont. Such material is vapor-permeable, lightweight and resistant to tears and punctures. It is noted that any type of material embodying these characteristics may be chosen as is appropriate for use with the subject invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 3, the cover 2 may be constructed using material such as the kind commonly found and purchased from bolts. By bolt it is meant a large roll of material of a definite length as is commonly purchased by a consumer. When using material from a bolt it is necessary to cut the material to the desired length so that the material fits around the object to be covered. This creates two ends of material 52, 54 that must be connected, such as by stitching together to form a generally circular, oval or other shape as needed to cover a particular object. The joining is shown at 56, best seen in FIG. 3. The cover 2 may also be made from a circular, oval, or other shaped piece of material that is already the desired shape. In this way, the two ends do not require stitching.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 a through 2 d, the cover 2 has a first portion 12 that may have sections of the material removed or cut from the fabric 13 as shown in FIG. 2 b. The cut sections 13 may be any width, length, shape or size depending on the object 4 to be covered and as chosen with sound judgment. The cut sections 13 have two edges 22, 24. The first edge 22 is connected to the second edge 24 by a fastening means, such as sewing together. The first edge 22 may also be connected to the second edge 24 by another means such as snaps, buttons, or other type of fastening means as chosen with sound engineering judgment. The cutting and fastening of the first and second edges 22, 24 provide a smoother fit over the boulder. This is because the cut sections 13 reduce the bulk of the material at the top portion of the object 4. If the sections 13 were not removed, the material would bulk up under the first portion 12 of the material at the top of the object 4 and would not give the covered object 4 an overall nice appearance.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 through 3, the sewn edges 22, 24 are forming means which can be gathers, darts, or pleats 58. The pleats 58 may extend from the top portion or first portion 12. The pleats 58 or forming means gather the material and adds to the flexible conformity of the cover 2 over the object 4. The pleats 58 also assist in shape the material over the bolder 5 so that the material may be easily gathered at the base of the boulder 18. There may also be gathers, darts, or pleats 60 extending from the third portion 16 of the material as chosen with sound judgment to improve the fit of the cover 2 over the object 4.

With reference now to all the FIGURES, the cover 2 has a second portion 14. The second portion 14 may have apertures or openings 36 around the circumference of the cover 2. Although openings 36 are shown the entire circumference of the cover 2, the number and arrangement of the openings 36 may vary as chosen with sound judgment. The opening 36 may be made from grommets, rivets, eyelets, metal rings, plastic rings, or through a series of stitches as is commonly used for button holes on articles of clothing. The openings 36 allow air to flow into or enter the cover 2. The airflow is shown by Arrows A, B, and C of FIG. 1. The air would flow into the opening 36 and flow between the cover 2 and the object 4, expanding the cover 2 outward away from the object 4. The purpose of allowing air to flow here is to allow the cover 2 to have a uniform appearance regardless of the deformities or contours of the object being covered. There may be areas where the object 4 and the cover 2 may touch; one such place is shown at 8. Without airflow, the cover 2 would retain the shape of the object 4, reducing the aesthetic appeal that the cover 2 provides.

In another embodiment, there may be an air compressor or air pump (not shown) attached to the opening 36 via a hose or tube. The use of an air compressor or air pump would provide constant airflow into the opening 36. The constant airflow would be present regardless of the weather conditions and despite the fact that there may be a lack of air movement. In this way the cover 2 would continuously serve its intended purpose while the air compress or air pump remain energized.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 1, 2 c, and 5 through 7, at the third portion 16 or end portion of the cover 2, a hem 42 is provided. The hem 42 is constructed by folding a section of the third portion 16 over itself and placing a fastening means, or stitch line, 34 at a desired location away from the lowest edge 17 of the cover 2. The hem 42 would have an opening, or section where the stitch line 34 is broken to allow a securing means, drawstring 44 or elastic band 45 to be inserted into the hem 42. The size of the hem 42 should be large enough to allow the drawstring 44 to be easily passed through the hem 42.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 1, 2 c and 5 through 7, the drawstring 44 is longer than the perimeter of the third portion 16 of the cover. The drawstring 44 has a first end 46 and a second end 48. The user would take one of the ends 46, 48 and insert it into the opening of the stitch line 34. The user would continue to insert the drawstring 44 into the hem 42 until that end 46, 48 goes around the perimeter of the third portion 16 and comes out at the opening of the stitch line 34. The user may then tie both ends 46, 48 together in a knot, tightening the cover around the boulder base 18. In this way the cover goes from a first untightened position around the boulder base 18 to a second tightened position around the boulder base 18.

The use of a drawstring 44 is an adjustable way to secure or tighten the cover 2 to various size objects 4. The tightening and securing of the drawstring 44 also helps prevent air from escaping. The drawstring may be a rope, string, or other material that has enough strength to keep the cover 2 secure to the object 4, as chosen with sound judgment.

In an alternate embodiment, an elastic band 45 may be included with the subject invention wherein the elastic band 45 is received by the hem 42 in a similar manner to that of the drawstring 44. The elastic band would allow the hem 42 to be expanded and automatically retracted via the memory of the elastic band 45. It is noted that any type of resiliently elastic material may be used to construct the elastic band 45 as chosen with sound engineering judgment. In this way, the cover 2 may be stretched, widening the opening of the cover 2, and either removed from or installed onto the boulder as described above. When installation or removal is complete the elastic band 45 would automatically return to it original shape, thus for example, automatically securing the cover 2 to the boulder.

In another embodiment, rather than having a hem 42 and drawstring 44, the material would be longer in length at the third portion 16 to allow the material to extend outward beyond the perimeter of the boulder's base 18. The provided extra length of material would allow the user to lay that extra material flat along the ground around the boulder. In this way, weights, soil, or decorative elements, such as pumpkins, may be placed on top of that extra length of material to keep the material in place on the border and to prevent any airflow from escaping from the bottom of the cover.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 through 7, the cover provides an easy way for the user to alter the appearance of the object 4. It is known to paint rocks or boulders to give it a more pleasing appearance. With the present invention, there is no need to spend the time or money necessary to paint the rock. With the present invention, the user simply changes the cover to get the desired effect and design. The design may be material sewn, painted, or otherwise applied to the cover 2. The designs may be patriotic themes or seasonal themes. The covers 2 may also be used for commercial purposes, such as “welcome” signs, grand “opening” signs, and “sale” signs. Others may use the cover 2 to cheer for their local sporting team, such as football, hockey, baseball, or any other type of sporting or Olympic event. There are numerous designs that can be placed on the covers. The cover 2 may also have a design on both sides of the material allowing the cover 2 to be reversible depending on the desired design.

With continuing reference to FIG. 4, the designs on these covers may also be seen from overhead. In such a way, not only may viewers walking past the object 4 and cover 2 see the design, but also those observing the object 4 and cover 2 from overhead, such as persons flying in airplanes, may also see the design. Thus, the covers 2 may be used to provide navigational points for persons traveling in any type of air vehicle, such as airplanes, hot air balloons, or gliders.

It is contemplated that the covers 2 will be provided in not only different designs, but also various shapes and sizes to enable the cover 2 to fit on many different sizes of objects 5. The user, desiring a cover 2, would measure the object 4 and provide that information so that the appropriate cover may be manufactured and purchased.

The preferred embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed: 

1. A decorative cover for an associated outdoor object, comprising: a piece of material having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, wherein at least a first pleat is fashioned within the first portion of the piece of material; at least a first aperture fashioned within the second portion of the piece of material for use in allowing air to flow within the decorative cover; and, securing means operatively received within the third portion of the piece of material for use in tightening the decorative cover around the associated outdoor object.
 2. The decorative cover of claim 1, wherein the securing means is a drawstring.
 3. The decorative cover of claim 2, wherein the third portion of the piece of material includes: a hem operatively holding the drawstring to the piece of material.
 4. The decorative cover of claim 3, wherein the drawstring is selectively adjustable between a first untightened position and a second tightened position.
 5. A method for covering an associated outdoor object, comprising the steps of: providing: a piece of material having at least a first pleat fashioned in the top portion of the piece of material and a drawstring operatively received within an end portion of the piece of material; placing the piece of material over the associated outdoor object; and, tightening the drawstring thereby securing the piece of material to the associated outdoor object.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of: providing a piece of material having at least a first pleat fashioned in the top portion of the piece of material and a drawstring operatively received within an end portion of the piece of material, comprises the step of: providing a piece of material having at least a first pleat fashioned in the top portion of the piece of material, a drawstring operatively received within an end portion of the piece of material and at least a first aperture fashioned within the piece of material; and, automatically allowing air to flow into the at least a first aperture; automatically expanding the cover around the associated object.
 7. A method of decorating of an associated boulder, comprising the steps of: providing a piece of durable material; decorating at least a first side the piece of material; placing the piece of material over an associated boulder wherein the at least a first side of the decorated material is facing outward; operatively tightening an end portion of the piece of material for use in securing the piece of material to the associated boulder.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of: fashioning at least a first pleat in a top portion of the piece of material;
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the steps of: forming a hem in an end portion of the piece of material; inserting a draw string into the hem; and, wherein the step of operatively tightening an end portion of the piece of material, comprises the step of: tightening the drawstring thereby tightening an end portion of the piece of material for use in securing the piece of material to the associated boulder.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of: decorating a second side of the piece of material; selecting either the first decorated side or the second decorated side of the piece of material; and, wherein the step of placing the piece of material over an associated boulder wherein the at least a first side of the decorated material is facing outward, comprises the step of: placing the piece of material over an associated boulder wherein the selected either the first decorated side or the second decorated side of the decorated material is facing outward.
 11. The decorative cover of claim 1, wherein the securing means is an elastic band. 